THE WORD OF GOD – AUGUST 14, 2024 REFLECTION
“Love one another as I love you.” (Jn 15:12)
The context of this verse is the invitation of Jesus to remain steadfast in the midst of the challenges of the world. Christian believers were hated from the beginning because they chose to follow the teachings of Jesus—to be kind as opposed to taking advantage of others, to share instead of stealing, to forgive versus taking revenge when they were wronged.
Jesus tells us that he is the vine and we are the branches (John 15:5), so each of us has to consider how we are joined to Jesus through prayer, faith, and keeping his word alive every day. He asks us to bear fruit but does not specify the form it should take—serving others, being compassionate and understanding, teaching God’s word, or fighting for social justice. Instead Jesus says that our fruits should come from the Spirit as a reflection of our love for God and for one another.
The success of the Church is measured by the progress of individual Christians who interiorize the mystery of Christ and share in his cross and resurrection in their individual lives.
Today our Lord invites us to reflect:
1. Am I receiving fully all the love that Jesus is offering to me? If not, what is holding me back?
2. How am I reflecting God’s love to the “others” in my life?
May you receive God’s blessing today and the rest of your life!
The above reflection is published with the permission of the author, who wishes to remain anonymous.
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